B&H Photo News Roundup: Week of 28 May 2023

Nikon adds DX 24mm f/1.7, Aputure launches a pair of pro-grade cinema lights, and Godox creates a KNOWLED LED panel

Week of May 28, 2023

No headliners this week—although I guess the standard edition of the RED KOMODO-X will soon be available. That doesn't mean there isn't lots to talk about. We have a new NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 Lens from Nikon that provides the brand's cropped bodies with a decently fast ~35mm equivalent option. The other important updates come from the lighting side, with Aputure releasing a pair of high-end cinema-ready LED lights and modifiers, and Godox bringing out a pro P600Bi Hard LED Panel.

Nikon releases an affordable NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 lens

Fast, lightweight, and affordable are all apt descriptors for the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 Lens. All those adjectives are exactly what photographers and content creators want from lenses like these, because they pair wonderfully with Nikon's smaller DX-format cameras. This looks like it'll be a very successful lens and a much-needed one for the system.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 Lens is a compact and fast option that is well suited to everyday carry.

The DX 24mm will give users a 36mm equivalent field of view, which is super close to that much loved 35mm. The f/1.7 aperture is nice and bright, with the ability to create images with shallow depth of field. All that, for less than $300, is a great deal.

Get up close with the DX 24mm f/1.7 thanks to a working distance of just 4.7".

It fills a similar place in the line to the FX-format 40mm f/2 lens and the two used as a working pair on a Z30 or Z50 will give shooters a versatile kit for stills and video―a perfect everyday carry set.

As for the other details, the lens is tiny at <1.5" in length and under 4 oz. You can focus quite close with a working distance of 4.7" and Nikon still made sure the lens is dust and drip resistant.

DX-format creators looking to upgrade from their kit lens should consider this lens to be their first prime.

Aputure releases Electro Storm XT26 and CS15 lights with new modifiers

Aputure continues to churn out quality lighting and accessories that make them even more useful for professional filmmakers. The latest, the Electro Storm XT26 and CS15 are high-output point-source fixtures that are designed for high-end applications. The coolest change is the new electronic A-Mount for working with select accessories, like the new F14 Fresnel.

Aputure’s 1500c and 2600x Pro LED Lights support advanced, electronic modifiers via the new A mount, including the just-announced F14 Fresnel. — Aputure’s Electro Storm XT26 and CS15 support advanced, electronic modifiers via the new A mount, including the just-announced F14 Fresnel.

The Electro Storm XT26 and CS15 lights share a look and design and shouldn't be unfamiliar to anyone who has worked with other high-output LEDs. The lights themselves emit an impressive amount of light. You'll likely want to pick between them, based on how much versatility and output you need. The CS15 is a full-color light, although it maxes out at 1500W, which is comparable to an 1800W HMI, and the XT26 is bi-color only with an output closer to a 12,000W tungsten fixture or 4000W HMI. They also offer the usual features plus a dual accessory mount that'll work with Bowens S and the new A-Mount powered modifiers.

Aputure’s Spotlight Max is a projection lens attachment with Bowens S mount that is optimized for larger fixtures, such as the brand-new XT26 and CS15.

The F14 Fresnel we mentioned earlier is one of the first A-mount modifiers from Aputure. It has a 14" lens and motorized control of the 18-40° beam angle range. Focus your light output and control all the parameters of the light with your remote controls, including DMX and Sidus Link. Shape it even more with the included barndoors.

Last up for this release is the Spotlight Max. This is a Bowens S-mount projection lens that is optimized for the brand's high-output fixtures—think 600W and up. There are 19, 36, and 50° lens options that will boost output by up to 60%, compared to the current Spotlight. The light is sharp, offers even illumination, internal 4-leaf shutters, and works with A-, B-sized steel gobos or glass gobos. If you want a projection lens for these big lights, this is the one.

Godox expands KNOWLED line with P600Bi Hard LED panel

Another light update is an official reveal from Godox's NAB display: the KNOWLED P600Bi Hard LED Panel. Hard panels aren't brand new, but they only started showing up seriously very recently. This one is a high-end 1 x 1'-style bi-color panel with a maximum output of 93,800 lux a 3.3'.

Godox goes for maximum power with the KNOWLED P600Bi Hard LED Light Panel.

As for color, the bi-color fixture will allow for adjustments from 2800-6500K. Accuracy is solid, as well, with CRI and TLCI ratings of greater than 96. You can control all of this via the on-light controls, DMX, a LumenRadio CRMX receiver, a 2.4GHz remote control, and a smartphone app.

If you were looking for something similar to a classic space light, Godox did come out with the Cylinder Softbox to go along with it. Or, you can go for even more output with a 2-light or 4-light bracket.